This blog post explains an unexpected difference in the way my latest batch of Auchen was spun. I recorded an Instagram video here which contains all the main details – in case you would rather listen to than read the details. You can listen/watch here.

I discovered just bfore Christmas that unfortunately the latest batch of Auchen was spun differently from my order request, which was for a match of the previous Sport weight batch. I received an advance lot of the batch in October and the bulk of it just recently. As I started working with the main part of the batch I began feeling that there was a difference but it took me a while to work out exactly what it is – in fact the batch has been three plied rather than two plied, and is 260m/100g (250m/approx 95g skein) rather than 375m/100g (410m/approx 110g skein). It seems crazy that this didn’t become apparent sooner but it just never occurred to me that it would not have been spun as ordered. Given that Auchen is woollen spun it is quite fuzzy and the individual plies aren’t very apparent unless you really look.

As I’m sure you can imagine, working out that the new spin is different came as a horrible shock. Since making the discovery I have sorted a large wholesale order which was due to be sent off imminently, made rapid changes to a new design which was almost complete, have contacted all website customers who have some of this new batch, plus sent a newsletter asking all who have bought Auchen since late October to contact me. However, based on the number of emails since sending the newsletter, I am concerned that a number of customers, in particular some who bought Auchen at Glasgow School of Yarn, are still not aware that their yarn may not suit their original plans. If anyone wonders whether they have the newer batch of Auchen please can they contact me by email (mail@blackisleyarns.co.uk) so that I can help provide a solution.

I have three possible suggestions for anyone who has the newer batch of Auchen, as way of trying to apologise and compensate for this error. I’ll mention first though my thoughts in terms of how the Light DK compares to the Sport it was supposed to be. Dependent on the project it is used for it is likely to be possible to use the yarn for Sport weight projects as well as Light DK to DK weight projects – it is light and airy, as per the two plied Sport version, and can be knit on smaller needles. The three plies give the yarn a more rounded character and, being woollen spun, it will fill out if knit as a DK weight. The colourwork mittens pattern for my Hirsel collaboration was almost completed, designed for three sizes of mitten using the very last of my previous Sport batch. Frustratingly the yarn sets I can put together and send out with the pattern will now be in the Light DK. Alex very kindly immediately set to work on knitting with the Light DK to test and rewrite the pattern for this unexpected new weight– she has found that by dropping needle by one size she can match stitch gauge (row gauge is a little out). The Hirsel Collection is still due to be posted out in the middle of January as originally planned and will include the newly rewritten pattern and beautiful sets in Auchen Light DK.

I will do more testing and swatching of the Light DK over the next few weeks and, when I can, will provide as much information as I can to help knitting the Light DK weight. I am hopeful that many of the Perspectives designs can still be knit at this new weight (and in fact I know that a customer has knit one of the largest Pityoulish Vest sizes successfully to gauge with four skeins of the Light DK rather than three of the Sport). I will be away at the beginning of January until w/b 16th Jan and have removed Auchen from the shop temporarily until I return and can amend the online details properly.

For those who have bough the three plied Auchen Light DK:

If you have just one skein and were planning a hat or mittens you should still be able to go ahead as planned (although you could consider a design for a slightly heavier weight of yarn if wanted). If you were planning a bigger project you may now not have enough yarn unfortunately, for which I am very sorry indeed. To try to resolve things as best as I can I have the following suggestions:

  1. keep the Light DK, if you feel it will work for what you planned and that you will have enough, and email me for a £9 refund per skein
  2. return all the Light DK you have and I will refund in full
  3. if you’d like to keep the Light DK but now won’t have enough yarn for your plans then i) I can send additional skeins if I have more of the same dye batch (this is straightforward if you have Haar (undyed)), or ii) send back the skeins you have and I will dye a new batch, in a similar shade, with an increased number of skeins

For any queries or refund/exchange/additional skeins requests please email me mail@blackisleyarns.co.uk .

I hope the above options make sense and that one of them seems as if it would be a reasonable option for you? ‘Reasonable’ – in as much as your plans may well have been completely messed up, for which I really do apologise. If you have a different suggestion which would suit you better then please do just let me know. I really am so very sorry for all this mess and will try to resolve things as best as I can for you.

I should also add that I will have a batch of Auchen Sport spun as soon as I can. But, realistically, this probably won’t be complete until early 2024. I will send off summer 2023’s fleeces as soon as I can and hope that the mill will spin the batch as a priority.

Wintry Loch Ness, colour inspiration for the yarn set
The Hirsel Collection is a collaboration between myself and several fantastic local makers. I have been planning this collection for quite some time as I’m keen to showcase some of the superb local talent and to share their work with you.

The collection will launch at 5.30pm BST on Tuesday 13th September. The sets are a pre-order and won’t be posted until mid-January. The main reason for this long lead-in time is so that we all have time to make our items for each of the sets (there is an upper limit on numbers but I hope there will be enough to go around). Also, although Alex’s design is well under-way we need to ensure that the design isn’t rushed and that Steph has time to tech-edit it fully. But, I also feel that January can be quite a long, dark month and that Hirsel arriving, as a gift to yourself or to a special person, will really be something to look forward to.

Each set will contain – A yarn set by me (approximately 90g Auchen Sport in 3 mini skeins)
A specially commissioned mittens pattern by Alex of Hen In A Glen
A candle by Morn of MO[r]N Candles
A purse by Rowena of Red Ruby Rose
A herbal tea by Cornelia of Panacea
A porcelain stoneware bud vase by Sally of Sally Knight Ceramics
The mittens pattern will be tech edited by the eagle-eyed Steph Boardman

My hope is that Hirsel will bring some beauty and joy to those days, early in the new year, which can be so short and dark. Alex’s colourwork mitten design is inspired by the special nature of gatherings with friends or family or, even, of setting aside the time to remember a loved one. The yarn, Auchen Sport, is woollen-spun, light and airy and will form a cosy, snug fabric when knit in Alex’s lovely design – the set of three mini skeins will be dyed in colours which bring to mind those fresh, crisp winter days when it is a joy to spend time outside. How better to bring some light and a homely feel, when you come back inside, than to light one of Morn’s beautifully, and very carefully, scented, vegan friendly candles? Sally’s vase will be perfect for bringing inside an evergreen twig or two, or seed heads with a particularly beautiful silhouette and then, later in the year, for holding those precious first signs of spring. Cornelia’s tea is perfectly warming and can be enjoyed with friends or sipped slowly and peacefully in a quiet moment. Rowena’s special purse is as tactile as it is lovely – perhaps it will be used to hold treasures, favourite knitting or sewing notions, or for storing special finds from the beach or woods?

The sets will be beautifully presented in a box with recycled and plastic free packaging. A digital copy of the pattern will be sent by email and a paper copy included within the set. Contents of each box will vary slightly: Rowena will use a selection of her beautiful images for the printed velvet front of the purses and will match them with a variety of plant-dyed linens, for the back, and dupion silks, for the lining Sally’s ceramics are made in her home studio and each vase will vary subtly in dimensions and colour Julie will dye the yarn sets in small batches and, as is the way with natural dyeing, there will be slight variations between batches.

For those of you who didn’t receive my last newsletter Hirsel is primarily a Scottish and northern word meaning ‘the entire stock of sheep on a farm or under the charge of a shepherd’; it is related to “herd” (though borrowed from Old Norse hirzla, from hirtha ‘to herd, tend’)’. The same source adds, from “The Ecology of Medieval English Monasteries” by Austin Mardon of Greenwich University (I can’t find a working link to the article unfortunately)’:

‘Several of the herds that roam the Yorkshire dales today have existed continuously since the 13th century. It is worth noting that it is illegal to sell off a complete hirsel from any mountain because it takes several generations of sheep to learn their individual “sheep-walk” and some of the older, experienced sheep must be left to guide the young, who would otherwise starve.’

This law makes sense given that hill sheep ‘heft’ to an area. Each ewe, and then the following generations of lambs, will have her own particular heft (which can vary with season and weather) where she is familiar with the terrain, shelter and most importantly the available grazing.

The Collins English Dictionary definition is:
”Scottish and Northern England dialect
NOUN
1. 
a group of sheep of the same kind
VERB (transitive)
2. 
to sort (sheep) into groups of different kinds”  
Example bud vases by Sally, candle by Morn, purses (back view) by Rowena and yarn set by Julie
(colours intentionally washed out!)

The enormous and cosy Eanaich Shawl is designed by Tyne Swedish as as part of the Perspectives Collection. When you can’t be with your loved ones, knitting is a way to hold them close. Think of someone as you stitch and those memories will burst forth every time you pick up your project; later the warmth of your friendship will enrich the warmth of your shawl.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey and the Inshriach Hat by me).

Perspectives is a design collection inspired by the landscape and wool of the Highlands. Going outside can bring you closer to your inner self. Rooted deeply in the Scottish landscape, these six patterns using naturally dyed Scottish wool take inspiration from outdoor adventures and inward exploration.

The traditional stitches and construction of a hap shawl – a seed stitch rectangle bordered with a feather and fan lace – create a family keepsake to treasure for generations. Choose just two colours for classic style, or paint an exuberant rainbow.

As well as full skeins of Auchen Sport there are also mini skein sets for the Eanaich Shawl.

Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)
Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
One size

Length: 177cm / 70.75 in
Depth: 102 cm / 40.75 in

Tension
15 sts and 30 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, in seed stitch

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring. The tension is not critical for this project, but will affect the amount of yarn used and the size of the finished shawl.

Techniques
Provisional cast-on, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, lace knitting, splicing (optional), decrease cast-off

Notions
Tapestry needle
8 stitch markers
Waste yarn and crochet hook for provisional cast-on
Spare circular knitting needle, 3.5 mm or smaller

Needles
3.5 mm circular needles, 150cm / 60 in cable length

Yarn
Version 1:
MC: Haar; 2 x 110g skeins, 1 x 50g skein
CC1: Sand; 1 x 50g skein
CC2: Gold; 1 x 50g skein
CC3: Damson; 1 x 50g skein
CC4: Pearl; 1 x 50g skein

Version 2:
MC: Moss Green; 2 x 110g skeins
CC1: Haar; 2 x 110g skeins

Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

The Inshriach Hat is my first design and I am very grateful for Emily William’s help in bringing my vision to life. Inshriach is designed as part of the Perspectives Collection. Scotland’s remaining native pinewoods are perhaps our most precious and evocative habitats – a link to the past. Spending time in these majestic woods with snow falling and stars shining is the most magical of experiences.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka Johnthe Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings).

Perspectives is a design collection inspired by the landscape and wool of the Highlands. Going outside can bring you closer to your inner self. Rooted deeply in the Scottish landscape, these six patterns using naturally dyed Scottish wool take inspiration from outdoor adventures and inward exploration.

This simple colourwork hat (just two colours per row) will keep you warm and cosy on your woodland adventure – be it a wander on the coldest and most wintry of nights, or just a late picnic on a chilly Scottish summer evening. The deep ribbed brim can be folded for warmth and a neat fit, or worn unfolded with more slouch. With or without a pompom you’ll have a new favourite hat for all your outdoor trips.

As well as full skeins of Auchen Sport there are also mini skein sets for the Inshriach Hat.

Inshriach Hat by Julie Rutter in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
1 (2, 3)

Shown in Size 2 with 2 cm / 0.75 in negative ease.

Circumference: 48 (53, 57.5) cm / 19.25 (21, 23) in
Depth: 23 (25.5, 28) cm / 9.25 (10.25, 11.25) in

Tension
25 sts and 31 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, im stranded colourwork using larger needles.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Techniques
Tubular cast-on (optional), stranded colourwork, knitting in the round, reading charts

Notions
6 (7, 7) stitch markers, type A
4 (4, 5) stitch markers, type B
Tapestry needle
Optional – medium sized pompom maker and a length of strong smooth yarn

Needles
2.75 mm circular needles or DPNs
3.25 mm circular needles or DPNs

Choose needles according to your preference for working small circumferences in the round.

Yarn
Version 1:
MC Haar; 1 x 30g skein
CC Dark Indigo; 1 x 50g skein

Version 2:
MC: Haar; 1 x 30g skein
CC1: Raspberry; 1 x 30g skein
CC2: Damson; 1 x 30g skein
CC3: Pearl; 1 x 30g skein

Errata for Inshriach Hat.

Inshriach Hat in Auchen Sport
Inchriach Hat in Auchen Sport

The cosy Balvattan Mittens are designed by my lovely friend Julia Billings. A winter’s break in one of the most beautiful glens of Scotland brought into focus the subtle, repeating lines found in snow-bearing clouds and luminous winter sunsets. These echoing lines found in nature, while often irregular like the stacked silhouettes of mountains and ripples in water, allow our eyes to rest in a very particular way.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me).

Perspectives is a design collection inspired by the landscape and wool of the Highlands. Going outside can bring you closer to your inner self. Rooted deeply in the Scottish landscape, these six patterns using naturally dyed Scottish wool take inspiration from outdoor adventures and inward exploration.

Balvattan Mittens are designed in the round in stocking stitch, the mitts are then turned inside out to highlight the texture of its reverse side. With a long cuff and dense, flannel-like fabric to keep the wind out, a comfortable shaped thumb gusset and rounded peak, these simple, practical mittens fit easily in the pocket of a walking jacket.

As well as full skeins of Auchen Sport there are also mini skein sets for Balvattan Mittens.

Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)
Balvattan Mittens in Auchen Sport

Sizes
1 (2, 3)

Shown in sizes 1 and 3 with zero ease.

Circumference: 17 (19, 21) cm / 6.5 (7.5, 8.5) in
Length: 28 (29, 30) cm / 11 (11.5, 12) in
Length from fingertip to thumb joint: 13 (13.5, 14.5) cm / 5, (5.25, 5.75) in

Tension
30 sts nd 40 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, in stocking stitch.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Techniques
Backwards loop cast-on, long-tail purlwise cast-on (optional), knitting in the round, reading charts, picking up stitches.

Needles
2.75mm circular needles or DPNs.
Choose needles according to your preference for working small circumferences in the round.

Notions
Tapestry needle
2 stitch markers
Waste yarn or stitch holders

Yarn
Version 1 (size 1):
MC: Haar; 1 x 50g skein
CC1: Pearl; 1 x 30g skein
CC2: Damson; 1 x 30g skein

Version 2 (size 3):
MC; Dark Indigo; 1 x 50g skein
CC1: Light Indigo; 1 x 30g skein
CC2: Brick; 1 x 30g skein

Note: The mitts are worked inside out, with the wrong side facing. MC and CC1 can be carried up the front of the work (wrong side) when not in use. CC2 should be broken and rejoined each time it is used.

Alternatively, spit splice the yarn at each colour change.

Balvattan Mittens in Auchen Sport

The beautiful Feshie Shawl is designed by Maddie Harvey as part of the Perspectives Collection. The sensory shock of wild swimming – icy water, splashes, currents and warm sun on skin – commands your full attention even as it refreshes and restores you. This shivering charge inspires a shawl that uses lace and texture to suggest the meandering tributaries of Highland rivers, their small islands and inlets and even their smooth pebbles.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me). Additionally Maddie has released Feshie as an individual pattern and you can purchase it directly from Maddie’s Ravelry or Payhip.

Perspectives is a design collection inspired by the landscape and wool of the Highlands. Going outside can bring you closer to your inner self. Rooted deeply in the Scottish landscape, these six patterns using naturally dyed Scottish wool take inspiration from outdoor adventures and inward exploration.

The Feshie Shawl’s lacy sections are set against opaque garter stitch and waving stocking stitch columns. The shawl is knitted from side to side in two halves, joined together with a three- needle cast-off after the knitting is complete.

Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
One size

Length: 264 cm / 104 in
Depth: 78 cm / 30.75 in

Tension
18sts and 21 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, lace pattern.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring. The tension is not critical for this project, but will affect the amount of yarn used and the size of the finished shawl.

Techniques
Reading charts, lace knitting, 3-needle cast-off (instructions provided)

Notions
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers (optional)
1 spare needle, 4.5 mm or smaller

Needles
4.5 mm needles
5.5 mm needle

Yarn
2 x 110 g skeins

Shown in Raspberry in version 1 and Haar in version 2.

Feshie Shawl in Auchen Sport Haar (undyed) and Raspberry (cochineal)
Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey in Auchen Sport

The Pityoulish Vest is designed by Emily K Williams as part of the Perspectives Collection. My lovely friend Emily’s design uses simple lace to suggest rippling waters on a relaxed top that is perfect for a walk on those days that aren’t quite as warm as they might be.

You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other lovely patterns – the Rothiemurchus Cowl by Mieka John, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me).

Perspectives is a design collection inspired by the landscape and wool of the Highlands. Going outside can bring you closer to your inner self. Rooted deeply in the Scottish landscape, these six patterns using naturally dyed Scottish wool take inspiration from outdoor adventures and inward exploration.

Pityoulish is worked from the top down, casting on for the back with the shoulders and neck shaped using short rows in the garter yoke. Once the back is worked to the armholes, stitches are picked up for the front yoke. After joining in the round at the underarm the remainder of the body is knit in the round. Stitches are picked up for the cap sleeves, which are gently shaped using short rows in garter stitch.

Pityoulish Vest designed by Emily K Williams in Auchen Sport, photo by Jeni Reid

Sizes
Modelled in Size 5 with 15 cm/6 in positive ease at full bust, and in Size 2 with 10 cm/ 4 in positive ease at full bust.

Bust circumference: 87.5 (98, 109, 120, 131, 142, 152.5, 163.5) cm / 35 (39.25, 43.75, 48, 52.25, 56.75, 61, 65.5) in

Tension
22 sts and 32 rows over 10 cm / 4 in, in stocking stitch using larger needles.

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Techniques
Knitting in the round, reading charts, lace knitting, short rows, picking up stitches

Notions
Tapestry needle
2 stitch markers
2 lockable stitch markers
Waste yarn or stitch holders

Needles
3 mm circular needles
3 mm double-pointed needles (optional)
3.5 mm circular needles

Yarn
2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) x 100g skeins

Shown in Haar in size 2 and Dragon in size 5.

Errata for Pityoulish Vest.

Pityoulish Vest in Auchen Sport Haar (undyed) and Dragon (fustic and indigo)
Pityoulish Vest in Auchen Sport Dragon

The Rothiemurchus Cowl, designed by Mieka John of Salt and Stone Knits, has recently been issued as a single pattern and updated to include multiple sizes. The pattern was originally designed as part of the ‘Perspectives Collection’ specifically for this special design collection in book format, which I produced and was co-edited with my good friend Emily K Williams. You can purchase the Perspectives Collection as a whole in book format directly from my website as a print book (with digital download code) or as a digital download (the collection includes five other superb patterns – the Pityoulish Vest by Emily K Williams, the Feshie Shawl by Maddie Harvey, the Balvattan Mittens by Julia Billings, the Eanaich Shawl by Tyne Swedish and the Inshriach Hat by me).

Perspectives is a design collection inspired by the landscape and wool of the Highlands. Going outside can bring you closer to your inner self. Rooted deeply in the Scottish landscape, these six patterns using naturally dyed Scottish wool take inspiration from outdoor adventures and inward exploration.

The inspiration for the Rothiemurchus Cowl is the iconic Scots pine – gnarled and twisted with age, an enduring remnant of the primeval Caledonian forest. The deep texture of the tuck stitches mirrors the bark of these ancient trees, forming an airy, wind-resistant fabric that protects you in four dense layers. Rothiemurchus can be knit in Auchen Sport or Shetland Heavy 4ply/Sport.

Rothiemurchus Cowl in Auchen Sport (photo by Jeni Reid)

Sizes
4 sizes: Baby (Child, Adult S-M, Adult L-XL)

Samples are knit in Child and Adult S-M sizes. See photos for measurements.

Rothiemurchus Cowl in Shetland Heavy 4ply/Sport (photo by Cross and Woods)

Construction
Rothiemurchus Cowl is knit sideways in the round to create a long tube and grafted together. It starts with a provisional cast-on and a short stockinette band to get in the flow. Simple tuck stitch patterns (adapted from Nancy Marchant’s book “Tuck Stitches”) are worked in two long sections divided by stockinette. The cowl finishes with another band of stockinette, making it very easy to graft closed. Feel free to graft straight for better drape when worn as a single long loop, or add a moebius twist for a better fold when wrapped double.

Rothiemurchus Cowl in Auchen Sport

Gauge
Stockinette: 21 sts by 28 rnds on Needle A

Tuck Stitch Patterns 1 and 2: 18 sts by 39 rnds on
Needle B

Block your swatch according to the finishing directions before measuring.

Needles
Needle A:
Suggested Size: US 7 / 4.5 mm

Needle B:
Suggested Size: US 4 / 3.5 mm

Techniques
Provisional cast-on, tuck stitches, knitting in the round, grafting (Kitchener stitch)

Notions
Crochet hook (for provisional cast-on)
Waste yarn or stitch holders
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
1 spare circular needle, 4.5 mm or smaller

Yarn
Adult Version 1: Auchen
MC: Light Indigo; 1 x 110g skein
CC: Dark Indigo; 1 x 110g skein

Adult Version 2: Auchen
MC: Haar; 1 x 110g skein
CC: Brick; 1 x 110g skein

Child Shetland
MC: Brick; 1x 110g skein
CC: Light Madder; 1x 110g skein

Anushka, of The Crimson Stitchery, and I have been working on this collaboration for many months and I’m so pleased that we’re finally ready to share her lovely design – the Sisymbrium Sweater. Sisymbrium is knit with Killen Sock and is a playful, lightweight sweater featuring open crossed stitches, bobbles, and simple textures. This yoke sweater is knit from the top-downwards, in the round. It includes careful shaping to fit loosely around the body with positive ease, and a cropped length.

Sisymbrium Sweater in Killen Sock Rust and Denim

I’ll pop the sizing and yarn quantity details below for information. The pattern is available directly from Anushka via her website. Sisymbrium is designed with a wide range of sizes and it is a comfortable flattering sweater. I had a lot of fun last week with one of my daughters and her friend taking photos of both samples together. The Denim sample is a Size 2 with a lengthened body and the Rust sample is a Size 3 (both girls are approx 34″ full bust). 

Anushka has made the most of Killen’s properties by designing Sisymbrium at a very loose gauge which results in the loveliest fabric with loads of drape. It is a quick knit and uses relatively little yarn. I’m so delighted to have had the chance to work with Anushka and that she has been able to create such a beautiful sweater in my yarn. I also need to thank my very lovely friend and talented sample knitter Clare Shaw for her superb work in knitting the Denim sample for me.

YARN (Killen Sock)

Approx 910 (1010, 1100, 1360, 1515) (1665, 1865, 2015, 2270)m/1000 (1105, 1215, 1490, 1660) (1825, 2040, 2205, 2485)yd 4-ply/fingering weight yarn.

Black Isle Yarns Killen Sock 4-ply 2020 Clip (80% Blue Faced Leicester, 20% Mohair; 400m/437yd per 100g)
3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) hanks in shade Rust or Indigo

GAUGE

21 stitches and 30 rows = 10cm/4” in Stocking Stitch in the round
Use the relevant needle sizes to achieve this gauge.
Block your swatch before measuring, as the fibres will bloom and the yarn may shrink.

EQUIPMENT

  • 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 4mm/US6 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Circular knitting needles
  • Your preferred needle type for knitting small circumferences in the round
  • Stitch holder, scrap yarn or spare circular knitting needle
  • Cable needle

SIZING 9 sizes available. Choose a size 5-8cm/2-6” larger than your full-chest circumference.
Full-chest circumference: 85.5 (99, 108.5, 118, 129.5) (137, 146.5, 160, 167.5)cm / 33¾ (39, 42¾, 46½, 51) (54, 57¾, 63, 66)”

YARN (Killen Sock)

Approx 910 (1010, 1100, 1360, 1515) (1665, 1865, 2015, 2270)m/1000 (1105, 1215, 1490, 1660) (1825, 2040, 2205, 2485)yd 4-ply/fingering weight yarn.

Black Isle Yarns Killen Sock 4-ply 2020 Clip (80% Blue Faced Leicester, 20% Mohair; 400m/437yd per 100g)
3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (5, 5, 6, 6) hanks in shade Rust or Indigo

GAUGE

21 stitches and 30 rows = 10cm/4” in Stocking Stitch in the round
Use the relevant needle sizes to achieve this gauge.
Block your swatch before measuring, as the fibres will bloom and the yarn may shrink.

EQUIPMENT

  • 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • 4mm/US6 knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Circular knitting needles
  • Your preferred needle type for knitting small circumferences in the round
  • Stitch holder, scrap yarn or spare circular knitting needle
  • Cable needle

SIZING 9 sizes available. Choose a size 5-8cm/2-6” larger than your full-chest circumference.
Full-chest circumference: 85.5 (99, 108.5, 118, 129.5) (137, 146.5, 160, 167.5)cm / 33¾ (39, 42¾, 46½, 51) (54, 57¾, 63, 66)”

After several years of spinning my original Killen Sock in 2020 I felt that it was due for a revision. The two main reasons were to increase the twist, which should add to hardiness, and to be able to spin at a lighter weight. After some searching I settled on one of the Yorkshire mills who, after receiving some samples of my Bluefaced Leicester raw wool, were happy that they could spin the yarn well to my specification of 400m/100g. They were able to supply the Mohair element at 20% of the total fibre weight. As I explained in this post, I have tried in the past to source British mohair but haven’t been successful. The 80% BFL comes from one farm, The Arr farm where Muriel and Stuart are specialist pedigree breeders. The Arr is around 1 hours drive south of my base in Fortrose on the Black Isle. The mohair used in the revised Killen comes from South Africa.

I excitedly awaited delivery of the new yarn in summer 2021 – and was delighted with its lustre and drape. The twist was much higher than my previous version and it looked promising as a sock yarn, given that the original had stood well if knit at a tight gauge. I quickly began knitting a pair of vanilla socks, which actually became my first completed pair (which I am slightly ashamed to admit!). Since then I have been wearing them almost continuously to test how they will wear. After 40 days, not all full days (some were too hot!) and quite a lot of walking they are holding up well. From the outside there isn’t too much of a difference, a little shininess under the heel in particular and some roughening and felting of the fabric. I have removed a little pilling over time. Inside they have felted, especially under the ball of the foot. Some fine fibres have worn off but the felting seems to be a positive in terms of strength. I hadn’t actually sewn in the end where I finished the toes, and it has now blended into the felting under the ball of the foot! I knit fairly tightly on 2.25mm – I think ideally I would have used 2mm needles but I didn’t have any with a small circumference cables, which is my preference for this type of project. My gauge was about 40 stitches per 4 inches, which is probably a little higher than is usual for a sock yarn but the revised Killen Sock is dense rather than plump so is quite a fine yarn in diameter compared to other yarns at 400m/100g.

I’ll carry on wearing these socks to see how they continue to hold up. I hope the collage below helps give a good feel for how they have worn. Please excuse the fact that the are not the most perfectly knit socks!

Clockwise from top left 1. Both socks outside 2. top sock inside-bottom sock outside 3. close up of inside 4. top sock inside bottom sock outside

Several lovely women conducted Wool Exploration reviews for me. These are based on the format used by Louise Scollay of WoolWork, and I have Louise’ kind permission to use her spreadsheet. The reviews were conducted over a short space of time and the testers didn’t have the chance to knit a pair of socks and wear them. The link below will take you to the reviews, there are 7 tabs in total which can be scrolled through at the bottom of the page. I hope you find them useful. In addition to my early sock wearing results there seems to be a general consensus that Killen Sock will prove to be a good lace knitting yarn. It holds the pattern well, drapes beautifully and develops a lovely halo on washing and blocking.

WOOL EXPLORATION REVIEWS

Thanks very much to the very kind review group for their time and effort in helping build a picture of the yarn based on their testing and experiences. I hope the reviews will be useful.

Killen Sock dyed with common reed (Phragmites)